Cable assemblies for electrosurgical devices and methods of use
Herein described is a novel cable assembly that is free from additional resistor, capacitor and inductor components and suitable for connecting a bipolar device to the monopolar active and return receptacles of a standard multipurpose electrosurgical generator. The cable assembly of the instant invention uses a conventional connector currently in use for either hand or foot control of electrosurgical pencils and a standard connector currently in use for dispersive electrodes; either single-foil (solid) or dual-foil (split) configuration connectors may be used. No resistors, capacitors, inductors transformers, or interface circuitry are incorporated in the cable or connectors distal to the electrosurgical generator.
1. A cable assembly for connecting a bipolar electrosurgical device to monopolar active and monopolar return receptacles of a conventional multipurpose electrosurgical generator, said assembly consisting of:
a. a first conductive path having a distal end configured for direct connection to a first electrode of said bipolar electrosurgical device and a proximal end comprising a first connector configured for direct connection to a monopolar active receptacle of said generator; and
b. a second conductive path having a distal end configured for direct connection to a second electrode of said bipolar device and a proximal end comprising a second connector configured for direct connection to a monopolar return receptacle of said multipurpose electrosurgical generator;
wherein said cable assembly is free from discrete electronic components selected from the group consisting of resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, and other interfacing circuitry;
further wherein said cable assembly permits said bipolar electrosurgical device to be operated in multiple modes and using standard control methods.
2. The cable assembly of claim 1 , wherein said first connector is a standard three-pin connector conventional to a standard hand-controlled electrosurgical pencil.
3. The cable assembly of claim 1 , wherein said first connector is a standard single terminal conventional to a standard foot-controlled electrosurgical pencil.
4. The cable assembly of claim 1 , wherein said second connector is a standard return connector conventional to a single-foil (solid) dispersive (return) pad.
5. The cable assembly of claim 1 , wherein said second connector is a standard return connector conventional to a dual-foil (split) dispersive (return) pad.
6. The cable assembly of claim 1 , wherein said second conductive path comprises a pair of parallel conductive paths electrically connected at their respective distal ends.
7. The cable assembly of claim 1 , wherein said second conductive path comprises a proximal portion comprising a pair of parallel conductive paths, and a distal portion comprising a single conductive path.
8. The cable assembly of claim 1 , wherein the distal ends of said first conductive path and said second conductive path converge into a single cable having a multi-pin connector at its distal end.
9. An electrosurgical system comprising:
a. a bipolar electrosurgical device configured for cutting or vaporizing tissue, said bipolar device having a proximal portion forming a handle and an elongate distal portion having at its distal end a first electrode comprising a conductive active electrode and a second electrode comprising a conductive return electrode in close proximity to said active electrode; and
b. a cable assembly having one end connected to said proximal portion of said bipolar electrosurgical device and a second end configured for connection to monopolar active and monopolar return receptacles of a conventional multipurpose electrosurgical generator, said assembly comprising:
i. a first conductive path having a distal end in communication with said first electrode of said bipolar electrosurgical device and a proximal end comprising a first connector configured for connection to a monopolar active receptacle of said generator; and
ii. a second conductive path having a distal end in communication with said second electrode of said bipolar device and a proximal end comprising a second connector configured for direct connection to a monopolar return receptacle of said multipurpose electrosurgical generator;
wherein said cable assembly is free from discrete electronic components selected from the group consisting of resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, and other interfacing circuitry;
further wherein said cable assembly permits said bipolar electrosurgical device to be operated in multiple modes and using standard control methods.
10. The electrosurgical system of claim 9 , wherein said first and said second electrodes of said bipolar electrosurgical device comprise a bipolar pair having smooth surfaces configured for coagulation.
11. The electrosurgical system of claim 9 , wherein said bipolar electrosurgical device is a radiofrequency device.
12. The electrosurgical system of claim 9 , wherein said bipolar electrosurgical device comprises a bipolar arthroscopy ablator.
13. The electrosurgical system of claim 11 , wherein said bipolar electrosurgical device comprises a bipolar coagulating forceps.